Choose Your Master Of Science In Management Path: Residential Or Online

Gies Business offers two paths to earning a Master of Science in Management: a residential Master’s in Management (MSM) and an online Master’s in Management (iMSM).

Both programs give you access to engaging curriculum, world-class instructors, and credit hours you can put toward our online MBA program. And both can set you apart in the workforce. But there are some key differences to help you decide which path is right for you.

Where you are in your career 

The residential MSM program is most useful for students who: 

• Just finished their undergraduate degree
• Haven’t yet joined the workforce
• Didn’t major in business as an undergrad but want to earn a business degree 
• Have flexibility to extend their time at a university with another nine-month academic year

The iMSM program is most useful for students who:

• Have been working for a few years
• Want to level up or make a career move
• Plan to continue working while earning their master’s degree over a period of one to five years
• Don’t plan to live close to campus

Key differences in guiding your career

The residential MSM program gives you access to career advising and client-based projects to help prepare you for a successful career from the start.

The iMSM program is for people already in the workforce, so it doesn’t include the career advising and client-based project focus of the residential program. Instead, it gives you access to a large network of online learners who already have valuable work experience.

Tuition differences and scholarship availability 

We strive to make our programs affordable for as many people as possible. While tuition for our residential program is higher than for our iMSM program, there are more scholarships available for the residential program. See the cost comparison below.

Compare your options

Fast Stats	MSM*	iMSM**
Enrollment	75-85	663
Length of Program	9 months	12-60 months
Credit Hours	36	36
Electives Available	25+	9
Practicum Project	2	N/A
Career Advisor	Yes	No
Stacks into iMBA	Yes	Yes
Tuition (In-State/Out-of-State)	$33,772 / $44,432	$11,520
Scholarships	Available	Limited availability
F-1 Visa Eligible	Yes (36 months OPT)	No
Classes Start	August	January, March, May, August, or October
Demographics
Average Work Experience	10.5 months	9 years
Average Age	24	35
Placement Rates	98%	N/A

*Data Source: MSM Students, Incoming Fall 2023 Cohort
**Data Source: iMSM Students, Calendar Year 2022

Application Materials

Both programs require similar application materials, such as:

• Online application
• Unofficial transcripts
• Resume
• Essay
• Letters of reference
• Application fee
• GMAT/GRE optional
  

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